I am looking forward to Black Friday, as I have purchased some great bargains in the past. Black Friday has become one of the largest international shopping events of the year, and it has also arrived in Israel.  The ads come at us from every direction — flashy graphics, countdown clocks, “BLACK FRIDAY TODAY!” banners — all designed to create a sense of urgency. And while there are great deals to be found, there’s also a lot of unnecessary spending, hidden traps, and impulse buying that can seriously damage your budget.
Before you are tempted to pull out your credit card, take a moment to read these invaluable shopping tips, so you will shop with intention. Smart shopping is about planning, not reacting.
🎯 Step 1: Decide What You Really Need
Every year, I make a list of items that I want to purchase. Not only am I more focused, but it also makes surfing the internet easier. I recommend making a short list of things you have genuinely been planning to buy — whether it’s clothing, home items, small appliances, or gifts. Sticking to a list helps you stay focused and prevents those tempting “add to cart” moments that you’ll regret later. Remember, a sale is not a saving if you didn’t need the item in the first place.
đź’¸ Step 2: Set a Clear Budget
Choose the maximum amount you’re willing to spend during Black Friday and stay within that limit. Without a budget, it’s easy to get carried away, especially when everything looks like a bargain. Remember: those ₪40, ₪70, and ₪120 “little” purchases add up incredibly fast.
🔍 Step 3: Buy Only From Reliable Vendors
This is the million-dollar tip. Since this is the season for buying. It is also the season when shady websites and fake discounts pop up everywhere, and every year, these shady websites increase.  If a deal looks too good to be true, it almost always is.  There are ways to protect your wallet:
- Is it a well-known site or brand? Check the internet.
- Are there real customer reviews? Check the internet.
- Is there a clear return/exchange policy? Read the small print.
- Does the website feel secure? Look for the lock icon đź”’ in the address bar.
If something feels “off” — trust your instincts. Better to miss a deal than lose money on a scam or receive a low-quality product you can’t return.
đź“ť Step 4: Compare Prices Before You Buy
I just read an article where prices were checked throughout the year, and they discovered that not every Black Friday discount is actually a discount. Some stores increase prices earlier in the month and then “discount” them. A quick check using Google, Zap, or comparing a few websites can help ensure you’re getting true value.
🧠Step 5: Pause Before Clicking
Ask yourself: Will this purchase still make sense next week? Next month? If the answer is no, skip it. Usually, I recommend waiting 24 hours before purchasing; however, due to the time limit on some of these deals, wait just a couple of hours before pressing the buy button.
HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL PURCHASES ON BLACK FRIDAY